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West Side Story 1957 - Articles Page 4

Ages: 12+
Opened: September 26, 1957

West Side Story - 1957 Broadway History , Info & More

West Side Story, a modern Romeo and Juliet set against the backdrop of gang violence, is a powerful and timeless musical. The music was composed by the legendary Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a master of witty and insightful words. Arthur Laurents crafted the book, or script, breathing life into the characters and their struggles. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1957 and quickly garnered critical acclaim, winning a Tony Award for Best Musical.



The story unfolds on the tough streets of New York City. Two rival gangs, the Jets, a white American group, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican group, clash over territory and simmering tensions. Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader, and Tony, a former member of the Jets, fall passionately in love, oblivious to their gang affiliations. Their forbidden romance unfolds amidst the escalating violence between the Jets and the Sharks, leading to a tragic confrontation that shatters their dreams.



West Side Story's powerful music, with iconic songs like "Somewhere" and "America," combined with its poignant story and exploration of social issues, continues to resonate with audiences. The musical has been revived numerous times on Broadway and around the world, and a film adaptation won ten Academy Awards, solidifying its place as a classic of American musical theater.


West Side Story - 1957 - Broadway Cast

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West Side Story - 1957 - Broadway Articles Page 4

Carmen Cusack, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matthew Morrison, Vanessa Williams, Solea Pfeiffer and More Set for SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at The Hollywood Bowl
by BWW News Desk - Jun 19, 2017


The Hollywood Bowl has announced the cast and creative team for a benefit performance of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, conceived and directed on Broadway by James Lapine.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre Season 2016-2017 Concludes With Musical Revue: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
by Julie Musbach - Mar 12, 2017


The Douglas Morrisson Theatre 2016-2017 37th Season concludes with a musical revue featuring songs of the incomparable Stephen Sondheim: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM: A Musical Entertainment, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne.

Michael Matus and George Rae are Hopping into the West End to Star in Stephen Sondheim's THE FROGS
by BWW News Desk - Jan 30, 2017


Michael Matus & George Rae will play Dionysos and Xanthias in the UK premiere of the latest Broadway version of the rarely performed musical, an hilarious send up of Greek comedy and satire, with a book revised and expanded by Nathan Lane.

Stephen Sondheim's THE FROGS is Hopping into the West End!
by BWW News Desk - Dec 2, 2016


The latest Broadway version of the rarely performed Stephen Sondheim musical The Frogs, an hilarious send up of Greek comedy and satire, with a book revised and expanded by Nathan Lane, is to get its UK premiere in 2017 at Jermyn Street Theatre.

Chita Rivera to Celebrate 65-Year Career in Brooklyn This Month
by BWW News Desk - Nov 19, 2016


On Stage at Kingsborough brings internationally renowned performing artists to Southern Brooklyn with an eclectic roster spanning multiple genres including music, dance, theatre and family programming. The full season runs through May 20, 2017. On Today, November 19th at 8:00pm come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera in a unique solo concert event.

Chita Rivera to Celebrate 65-Year Career in Brooklyn This Month
by BWW News Desk - Nov 9, 2016


On Stage at Kingsborough brings internationally renowned performing artists to Southern Brooklyn with an eclectic roster spanning multiple genres including music, dance, theatre and family programming. The full season runs through May 20, 2017. On Saturday, November 19th at 8:00pm come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera in a unique solo concert event.

Lyric Stage Announces Cast, Creative Team for COMPANY
by BWW News Desk - Sep 2, 2016


The Lyric Stage Company of Boston announces the cast & creative team for COMPANY, with Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM and Book by GEORGE FURTH. Directed by Spiro Veloudos with music director Catherine Stornetta and choreography & musical staging by Rachel Bertone, COMPANY will run September 2 - October 9, 2016.

Lyric Stage Announces Cast, Creative Team for COMPANY
by BWW News Desk - Aug 15, 2016


The Lyric Stage Company of Boston announces the cast & creative team for COMPANY, with Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM and Book by GEORGE FURTH. Directed by Spiro Veloudos with music director Catherine Stornetta and choreography & musical staging by Rachel Bertone, COMPANY will run September 2 - October 9, 2016.

Writers Theatre Extends Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 6, 2016


Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, announces a one-week extension to Company, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The production is directed by William Brown. Company features original orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, Orchestral Reductions by Ian Weinberger, music direction by Tom Vendafreddo and choreography by Brock Clawson. The show, originally slated to run through July 31, 2016, will add an additional week, through August 7, in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.

Chita Rivera to Perform at East Hampton's Guild Hall This Month
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 5, 2016


?On Saturday evening, July 23, CHITA RIVERA brings her solo concert to The John Drew Theater in the Dina Merrill Pavilion at Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton, New York, for one show at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $40-$150 ($38-$145 for Members) and are available online http://www.guildhall.org/events/?id=961&mode=id or via the box office 631.324.4050. Free Saunders Student Rush tickets available.

Amy Herzog & Sarah Ruhl World Premieres, ASSASSINS and More Set for Yale Rep's 50th Anniversary Season
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 11, 2016


YALE REPERTORY THEATRE announces its 50th Anniversary Season, which will include three world premieres commissioned by Yale Rep and two contemporary masterpieces.

THE ESSENTIAL STEPHEN SONDHEIM Collection Released Today
by BWW News Desk - Feb 26, 2016


Today, February 26, Masterworks Broadway releases THE ESSENTIAL STEPHEN SONDHEIM, celebrating the 85th birthday year of the legendary theater composer and lyricist.

SWEET CHARITY, 'ESSENTIAL STEPHEN SONDHEIM' Albums and More Coming This Winter
by BWW News Desk - Feb 10, 2016


It's time to put in your late winter pre-orders! Masterworks Broadway has just announced its slate of releases for Winter 2016, including three classic albums from the archives - SWEET CHARITY (February 12), SALAD DAYS (March 18), and KISMET (April 15). On February 26, Masterworks Broadway releases THE ESSENTIAL STEPHEN SONDHEIM, celebrating the 85th birthday year of the legendary theater composer and lyricist.

Stephen Sondheim & More to be Honored at Carl Sandburg Literary Awards
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 18, 2015


The Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Chicago Public Library have announced that the 16th annual Carl Sandburg Literary Award will be presented to legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Universally heralded for his immense contributions to musical theater in a career spanning more than 50 years, Sondheim will be honored at the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at The Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Road) on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Bucks County Playhouse's 2015 Oscar Hammerstein Festival to Celebrate Stephen Sondheim This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Aug 17, 2015


Bucks County Playhouse producers Robyn Goodman and Alexander Fraser just announced the 2nd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Festival -- named in honor of the master lyricist who wrote some of America's most beloved and recognizable musicals at his family farm in Bucks County.

Pittsburgh CLO's GYPSY Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 10, 2015


Join one-of-a-kind mother, Rose, and her two talented daughters as they search for fame in Pittsburgh CLO's production of GYPSY, tonight, July 10, through July 19 at the Benedum Center. This entertaining musical is complete with memorable performances, mother-daughter struggles and the hardships of show business life, all while set during the infamous vaudeville era.

Keith Pinto Leads COMPANY, Beginning Tonight at San Francisco Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2015


San Francisco Playhouse will complete its twelfth season with Stephen Sondheim's trailblazing musical comedy, Company, directed by Susi Damilano. The play will feature a cast of local favorites, with Keith Pinto (Into the Woods) starring as Robert, along with Teresa Attridge, Velina Brown*, Morgan Dayley, Michelle Drexler, Ryan Drummond*, Richard Frederick*, John Paul Gonzalez, Monique Hafen*, Stephanie Prentice*, Chris Reber*, Abby Sammons, Nicole Weber and Michael Scott Wells.

Pittsburgh CLO's GYPSY Opens 7/10
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 2, 2015


Join one-of-a-kind mother, Rose, and her two talented daughters as they search for fame in Pittsburgh CLO's production of GYPSY, July 10-19 at the Benedum Center. This entertaining musical is complete with memorable performances, mother-daughter struggles and the hardships of show business life, all while set during the infamous vaudeville era.

STAGE TUBE: Jason Robert Brown Explains Why Stephen Sondheim is a Genius and Presents Him the Master Storyteller Award!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 10, 2015


The City of Philadelphia declared June 1st, Stephen Sondheim Day, when the legendary composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim was presented Arden Theatre Company inaugural Master Storyteller Award. Below, watch as fellow composer Jason Robert Brown presents the award to him!

Keith Pinto to Lead COMPANY at San Francisco Playhouse; Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Jun 9, 2015


San Francisco Playhouse will complete its twelfth season with Stephen Sondheim's trailblazing musical comedy, Company, directed by Susi Damilano. The play will feature a cast of local favorites, with Keith Pinto (Into the Woods) starring as Robert, along with Teresa Attridge, Velina Brown*, Morgan Dayley, Michelle Drexler, Ryan Drummond*, Richard Frederick*, John Paul Gonzalez, Monique Hafen*, Stephanie Prentice*, Chris Reber*, Abby Sammons, Nicole Weber and Michael Scott Wells.

Jason Robert Brown, Rob McClure Honor Stephen Sondheim at the Arden Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 1, 2015


Arden Theatre Company hosts its Master Storyteller Award ceremony and concert tonight, June 1, 2015. The award will be bestowed upon Composer and Lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who will accept the award at a ticketed ceremony and concert, which is a fundraising benefit for the Arden's extensive educational and outreach programs. Composer and Lyricist Jason Robert Brown will present Mr. Sondheim with the award.

Photo Flash: Throwback Thursday - A Look at the 2015 Tony Nominees' Previous Stage Roles!
by Nicole Rosky - May 28, 2015


In honor of the 2015 Tony Awards, BroadwayWorld brings you a look back at this year's nominees in previous stage roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theaters. Check out photos below!

Jason Robert Brown, Rob McClure to Honor Stephen Sondheim at the Arden, 6/1
by BWW News Desk - May 20, 2015


Arden Theatre Company announces a final list of performers for the Master Storyteller Award ceremony and concert on Monday, June 1, 2015. The award will be bestowed upon Composer and Lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who will accept the award at a ticketed ceremony and concert, which is a fundraising benefit for the Arden's extensive educational and outreach programs. Composer and Lyricist Jason Robert Brown will present Mr. Sondheim with the award.

Photo Flash: Broadway Gypsy Tea Dance Celebrates 2015 Tony Nominee Chita Rivera
by Tyler Peterson - May 18, 2015


BROADWAY GYPSY TEA DANCE recently gathered at the rooftop bar Top of the Strand at the Strand Hotel (33 West 37th Street) to celebrate Chita Rivera's 2015 Tony Award nomination, enlisting dancers from most of Broadway's shows. Those represented included The King & I, Aladdin, Kinky Boots, Something Rotten, Wicked, American in Paris, The Lion King and gypsies who danced with Rivera in her last Broadway show A Dancer's Life. Check out a look back below!

Stephen Sondheim Will Receive Chicago Public Library Foundation's Carl Sandburg Award
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 30, 2015


Acording to the Chicago Tribune, theatre legend Stephen Sondheim will receive Chicago Public Library Foundation's 16th Carl Sandburg Award. As a part of the ceremony on October 21, 2015, Sondheim will be interviewed onstage by Scott Simon of NPR. The Carl Sandburg Literary Award is presented annually to an acclaimed author in recognition of outstanding contributions to the literary world and honors a significant work or body of work that has enhanced the public's awareness of the written word. The Carl Sandburg Award in the Arts is presented to an individual who embodies a spirit of creativity and social consciousness.

West Side Story History

Other Productions of West Side Story

1957   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1958   West End London Production
West End
1959   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1960   Broadway Return Engagement [Broadway]
Broadway
1964   Broadway City Center Revival
Broadway
1968   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1980   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1991   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
1992   Regional (UK) Regional Revival
Regional (UK)
1998   West End London Revival
West End
2006   Houston, TX (Regional) Theatre Under the Stars Production
Houston, TX (Regional)
2009   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2010   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2015   Washington, DC (Regional) Signature Theatre Production
Washington, DC (Regional)
2018   Washington, DC (Regional) National Symphony Orchestra Concert Revival
Washington, DC (Regional)
2018   Regional (US) 100th Birthday Celebration Revival Production
Regional (US)
2020   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

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